Communication with the Orichás Through Music

The order of the songs and rhythms is firmly established, each one devoted to a particular Orichás or the egun (spirits of the ancestors). The initial toque (beat) is the oro seco, which consists only of drumming, with no singing or dancing. When the oro seco finishes, the rhythms of the individual Orichás are played, always beginning with Eleguá, who opens the doors of communication between the worshippers and the other Orichás. The Santeros/as, in order of senority, salute the drums by doing the foribale, a formal gesture that requires them to prostrate themselves by lying on the floor in front of the drums for a few seconds. Then, they must salute each drum individually by touching their forehead to it (while the drum is playing): first the iya, then the itotele, then the okonkolo. Senority is important during the dancing segments of the ritual. Elders must always be closest to the drums. If the tambor is being held to honor the birthday of a Santero/a, he or she also has the right to dance close to the drums.

As the cycle of songs and rhythms advances, Santeros/as will formally salute the children of that particular Orichá, again following strict order of senority. For example, when Obatalá's rhythm is played, everyone will salute first the oldest child of Obatalá (the one with the most years in santo), and descend to the youngest. When Changó's rhythm is played, everyone salutes the oldest child of Changó in the room, and descends to the youngest. This obviously requires familiarity with the members of the community and strict adherence to protocol. How salutations take place can vary from one ilé (religious house) to another, so it's important to get guidance from elders about what to do. Elders will quickly correct you if you're wrong. Although the atmosphere of the tambor is festive and full of joy, in respectable ilés, elders maintain discipline and demand that tradition and protocol be followed.In many traditional Santería communities, only fully initiated Santeros/as who have been formally presented to the drums can dance directly in front of them. Aleyos (outsiders) and aborichas (partially initiated people) can stand in another area, such as the patio, an adjoining room or at the back of the room, and dance if they choose. Those who dance in front of the drums must be properly dressed, which in most cases means that women wear long skirts and modest blouses that cover the arms, and they cover their heads with a scarf. Men wear caps, long pants and dress shirts. Most Santeros/as will wear white at these ceremonies or, in some cases, dress in the colors of the Orichá who owns their head. They never wear black, because it attracts negative energy. Many participants will wear their elekes (beaded necklaces), bracelets and other sacred jewelry. Usually refreshments are served during the break in ceremonies, giving the drummers, singers and dancers a chance to rest briefly. The one hosting the tambor is expected to pay for everything, and the cost can be considerable, depending on the number of invitees.